MERIT CONVERSATIONS — COMPARING INCREASES WITH PEERS
Draft for team review · September 16, 2026

SCENE 01 — Start with the question
EMPLOYEE:
Can I ask how my increase compares with my peers?

SCENE 02 — Welcome the conversation
MANAGER:
Of course. I understand why you want context, and I’m glad you asked. I can talk through your decision with you.

SCENE 03 — Listen for the underlying concern
EMPLOYEE:
I know everyone’s work is different, but I want to understand whether my contributions were recognized.

SCENE 04 — Set a respectful boundary
MANAGER:
That’s fair. I can’t share or compare another employee’s individual pay or increase. We can keep the conversation focused on your situation.

SCENE 05 — Explain the decision factors
MANAGER:
I considered your performance, your contributions, how your pay is positioned, the merit guidelines, and other compensation considerations that apply.

SCENE 06 — Confirm understanding
EMPLOYEE:
So we can discuss the reasoning behind my decision without comparing it with someone else’s?

SCENE 07 — Invite questions and follow through
MANAGER:
Yes. Let’s review how those factors apply to your work. You can ask questions about your own pay and decision. If something needs more context, I’ll follow up with Human Resources. What would you like to discuss first?

SCENE 08 — CLOSING RECAP
On-screen guidance only; no narration.
1. Keep the focus individual. Discuss the employee’s performance, contributions, and alignment with merit guidelines.
2. Do not discuss or compare another employee’s compensation or increase.
3. Explain how the merit process and compensation considerations applied to this employee.

FEEDBACK
Please identify the scene number and distinguish script wording from visual or on-screen guidance changes.